OPINION
By the mercy of God, our country barely escaped the consequential result of an act of evil. I am thankful, as I am sure all Americans should be, for the life of President Trump and the failure of his attempted assassination. It is appropriate for our emotions to rally around President Trump at this grave moment in our nation’s history. I look forward to a passionate and energetic RNC Convention this week to celebrate what Donald Trump’s candidacy means to the American people – more now than ever before.
Yet, we can not overlook the fact that last week the RNC Platform Committee failed in providing a descriptive robust conservative vision for America. Tragically, a manipulating force strong armed delegates to accept and approve predetermined language. For most social conservatives, disappointment in the policy positions is an understatement, but not a deal breaker. The most appalling breach of trust is the alleged process that played out behind closed doors. Censorship won. Free Speech was undermined. Frustration ensued, and rightly so by delegates expecting subcommittees and input. The very core principles of limited government and responsible individualism were betrayed by a unamerican style of persuasion – fear and intimidation tactics executed by Trump representatives and RNC staff.
Let me say the quiet part out loud. If this is any indication of how a second Trump Administration will look, then politically engaged Christians need to pause and examine any blind allegiance to one man granted raw and unprecedented Executive power. Voices of dissent are unwelcomed, even among friends.
In full disclosure, I voted for President Trump in 2016 and 2020. I, as many others, rightly justified our support of him because despite his historically offensive personality, his polices would benefit America and protect our rights. Without question, they did! By God’s common grace, the Trump Administration’s accomplishments during his first presidency caused historic positive change in both America’s domestic and foreign policies.
But I refuse to be passively silent in the face of a troubling coercive approach taken by the former President’s team of delegates during the RNC Platform Committee meeting. Let me be direct. Donald Trump is a political figure, a real estate developer, and a celebrity branding expert. He is not above accountability. I believe I am not alone in my assessment. Many socially conservative Christians share similar concerns and deep feelings of uneasiness with a rising populist movement that demands complete allegiance to Donald Trump. Fear of broken relationships and the loss of political access to the top tiers of federal and state office holders keep many in silence.
Clearly, the greatest hinderance that prevents people of faith from being more outspoken in their criticisms of Donald Trump is the alternative is worse. A second Biden Administration will only continue the Left’s unbridled war against the natural order of male and female binary realities, passing national extreme abortion laws up to the moment of birth, and caving to anti-Israel terrorist sympathizers.
As the RNC Convention starts today, former President Trump’s approval among the base will skyrocket to historic levels. But his advisors are at risk of diminishing his voter turnout over the next few months by deflating the enthusiasm of socially conservative Americans. These voters will pray for the nation out of deep conviction for their faith, but possibly not participate in the election this year. His inner circle of political consultants should not take us for granted.
In this perilous political time, I urge churches to stay steadfast in their mission to proclaim eternal truth no matter who is in office. Billions of dollars will be spent to get Americans to vote. The political infrastructure with near limitless infusions of cash does not need pastors doing their bidding to win an election. If the Church is more focused on inspiring people to come to the altar for prayer, than to motivate people to get to the polls to vote, America’s best days are still ahead.
The views expressed are mine and do not represent any organization of which I am affiliated with.
Shawn Hyland has served in numerous roles including the Director of Advocacy for the New Jersey Family Policy Center, Executive Director of Family Policy Alliance of New Jersey, and the New Jersey State Coordinator for Christians United for Israel. He was the founder of Move the Earth – a ministry under his leadership that was dedicated to reversing the trend of biblical unbelief and was a former congressional candidate in New Jersey’s 3rd district. For more information, visit www.ShawnHyland.com